It took almost a week or so for The City of Hattiesburg to issue a public statement as many in the community were outraged that a 14 year old black boy was shot by Hattiesburg Police, at least 5 times according to a social media post made by
family.
That statement finally came Wednesday, February 3, 2021 when Mayor Barker issued a pre-recorded video on his social media page in which towards the end of the video he stated, "But also understand that if someone breaks the law and threatens the safety of the public, or school children or the officer that individual should be prosecuted."
There was immediate outrage from his own supporters who spoke out against his comments as many questioned the timing of the video as to say the mayor's focus is on his campaign for re-election, not the hurt felt by the community.
"A week was way too long.. The way this was handled did not build trust with police or government," commented Karen Aderer. Deidre Craft commented, "Do the math he came out with a few days after he announced he's running again that was his main priority."
Others argued the city has a lack of transparency or accountability. "Why has there been a lack of transparency and accountability from the city of Hattiesburg?" asked Cassidy Legih. "It's the lack of immediate transparency that fuels rumors," commented Donna Ladd. Dusty Gerald commented, "I think it's the lack of transparency that many are having an issue with. And I believe that is a valid concern."
While some questioned the timing of the video and others the lack of transparency from Mayor Barker, others were outraged that the city's official response was the 14 year old black boy was actually a man, not a child. "When something like this happens YOU'RE THE ONES who report little to no or FALSE information like telling the media this boy is a GROWN MAN buying you TIME to get your claws into as many people as possible," exclaimed Josh Nobles.
Some believe the officers tried to play judge and jury, which is often the national complaint from lawyers and activists when they feel someone is unjustly shot. "It's not the cop's duty to prosecute, to determine the outcome of whatever potential rule or law was broken. That is the duty of a judge and a jury," said Harlee Allen. Josh Nobles commented, "The Hattiesburg PD doesn't get to play Judge Jury and Executioner with the People."
Yet Barker did have few supporters to come to his defense. "Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. I usually don't comment but this was infuriating. I HIGHLY doubt the Mayor did this for political expediency," commented Warren C. Everett II, a black man himself. Anne Hyman Love commented in support of the Barker, "Thank you Toby! You're always "on top" of everything!"
Doing a social crisis, one that appears evident within the boarders of the City of Hattiesburg, many African Americans are questioning their support for Mayor Barker who is famous for picking up paper in the Black community in wake of his comments which some perceive are insensitive at best towards the black community as a 14 year old black child still lay in a local hospital after being shot by his police officers.
Toby Barker was elected in 2017 after defeating Hattiesburg's first elected African American Mayor, Dr. Johnny DuPree, in which voting turnout was low after an EF3 tornado had destroyed a huge portion of the African American community.
No more updates have been giving about the shooting.
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